Founder of the Center for Developmental Psychiatry
Great review 518
In today’s fast-paced world, where psychiatric care often leans heavily on diagnoses and prescriptions, Dr. Jason Dean stands out as a compassionate and thoughtful presence in the field. As the founder of the Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Dr. Dean brings a rare combination of clinical excellence and humanistic insight to the treatment of both children and adults.
Dr. Dean’s educational journey reflects his commitment to excellence. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and went on to receive his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at Harvard University and then his child psychiatry fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center, where he served as chief fellow. Today, he remains on the community faculty at the Yale School of Medicine as a clinical instructor in child and adolescent psychiatry.
What truly sets Dr. Dean apart is his integrated approach. At the Center for Developmental Psychiatry, the focus goes far beyond symptom management. “We view psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues as the tip of the iceberg,” Dr. Dean explains. “Our job is to understand the person beneath the symptoms — their developing personality, self-esteem, and relationships with others.”
Rather than relying solely on the traditional medical model, which often emphasizes medication without in-depth understanding, Dr. Dean incorporates psychodynamic psychotherapy and parent guidance into his practice. His goal is to address not just the ‘what’ of psychiatric symptoms, but the ‘why.’
“For children, what matters most isn’t just how they’re doing right now,” he says. “It’s whether they’re developing the emotional and relational tools that will allow them to live fulfilling, enriching lives as adults. We’re looking toward how they’ll function at age 25, not just how they feel at age 5.”
With over 900 glowing reviews, it’s clear that patients and families appreciate this depth and dedication. Parents who work with Dr. Dean often find that the insights gained through therapy not only help their children but reshape the way they understand family dynamics as a whole.
Psychotherapy, in Dr. Dean’s view, is not just treatment — it’s an exploration. “It’s a tool to uncover the underlying social-emotional development that forms the foundation for future happiness and success.”
If you’re ready to go beneath the surface and truly understand your or your child’s emotional world, the Center for Developmental Psychiatry offers more than care — it offers clarity.